Kindiki takes Raila’s AUC campaigns to Botswana

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Saturday took former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s campaigns for the African Union Commission chairmanship to Botswana in his first international assignment.

Kindiki presented Kenya's request to support the candidature of Raila to lead the African Union Commission (AUC) to President Duma Boko.

He noted that Raila will bring onboard a lot of value to the Commission and is capable of advancing Africa's critical interests.

"Hon Raila Odinga is a great African Statesman with vast experience in leadership. He brings a lot of value to the African Union Commission and is capable of advancing continental interests in development, trade, peace, and security.

"Botswana and Kenya have previously voted together on many matters and I present to you, Mr. President, a request from your brother, our President William Ruto, to support the candidature of Hon Raila Odinga, who is Kenya's candidate for the African Union Commission chairmanship," Kindiki said.

The two leaders held a bilateral meeting on Saturday morning, where they explored various areas of cooperation.

They include climate change, tourism, trade in coffee and tea, beef farming, development of horticulture and floriculture, mining, cooperatives management and regional peace, security and stability.

“We've seen the disruptive nature of climate change effects in terms of huge humanitarian crises, devastating floods, prolonged famine, decimation of livestock and wildlife, displacement of populations.

“Even as we look at complex security situations, climate change is no longer a food security, agriculture or humanitarian matter, it’s a national and international security problem which can pose existential threats,” Kindiki said.

The DP noted that Kenya considers Botswana an ally in continental economic development, peace and security, tourism education, health, and renewable energy.

He said the two countries have shared experiences in politics, democracy, development, and trade that date back to the independence struggle.

Kindiki added that there are over 1,200 Kenyan citizens residing and working in Botswana and the Government of Kenya appreciates the cordial treatment accorded to them.

The Deputy President arrived in Gaborone on Friday, where he attended the inauguration of President Duma.

He was accompanied by Senators Fatuma Dulo (Isiolo) and Eddy Oketch (Migori) and National Assembly Members Owen Baya (Kilifi North), Vincent Musyoka (Mwala), John Njuguna Kawanjiku (Kiambaa), Victor Koech (Chepalungu), and Elisha Odhiambo (Gem).

It is DP Kindiki's first foreign trip in more than two years.

Prior to his elevation to the second in-command position, Kindiki was the only Cabinet Secretary in President Ruto's administration who had not travelled out of the country, opting to concentrate on his assignment as head of the homeland security docket.